Re: Irish
rings

: : : : : : A ring given instead of, or in
advance of, an engagement ring by someone who is only sort of committed (I may
get some arguments on that last bit).

: : : : : : R. Berg's response reminded
me of the breakfast story regarding the bacon and the eggs. The hen is involved
but the pig is committed. Here also, promise ring is sometimes, but not often,
given prior to a formal engagement, a symbol of involvement, somewhat committed.

:
: : : In my day, back in the 60s, we had "sweetheart rings" -- two hearts and
a diamond chip. Isn't that precious? Also there were "friendship rings" -- silver
bands. Can't remember but I think the friendship rings had hearts on them.

:
: : : I say, one is either engaged or married or not. None of this renting with
an option to buy business. Why limit your freedom if there's been no real commitment?

: : :
: : : : My father used to say, in a lighthearted way, that marriage
was like a three-ring circus... engagement ring... wedding ring... and suffering!
This sort of ties to the previous discussion of marriage... in a humourous way.

:
: It seems to me that young people don't "date" anymore. Either they are what
they call "single" (alone, without a steady) or they are in a faux marriage. One
extreme or the other. This is in the U.S.

:
: What are those Irish friendship/love
rings called? You how, the ones that are invariably made of gold and have a little
heart on them. Starts with a "c-" and maybe even a "cl-" - I keep wanting to say
"clannad" but God forbid.